DUCC Organization

(Scroll down the page for Structure, Relationship to United Church of Canada, Staff, Special Funds)

DUCC is a voluntary association of United Church of Canada Diaconal Ministers and others who identify themselves as being in diaconal ministry. The primary purpose of DUCC is to create and maintain community and connection among its members in order to:

build up the body of Christ through strengthening diaconal ministries and those in diaconal ministry in the United Church,

share information of interest with members and to others who are interested in diaconal ministry

reflect on issues related to Diaconal Ministry within the United Church,

advocate for Diaconal Ministry in the courts of the United Church, particularly the General Council and its Committees and Task Groups

further theological reflection on diaconal ministry in the context of the changing face of the Christian church in our times

appoint representatives to DIAKONIA World Federation and Diakonia of the Americas and the Caribbean (DOTAC) Click the highlighted link for more on World Federation and DOTAC.

While there is no direct line of accountability between DUCC and the United Church there is cooperation fostered in a relationship of mutual respect. In the current United Church General Council structure, oversight for the Order of Diaconal Ministry rests with the Permanent Committee on Ministry and Employment Policies and Services (PC-MEPS). Currently Diaconal Ministers Deb Kigar and Lynda Gow are members of PC-MEPS. The United Church pays DUCC membership dues DIAKONIA World Federation and DOTAC and provides some support for circulation of DUCC News.

Currently PC-MEPS has a Working Group on Diaconal Ministry. Deb Kigar and Lynda Gow sit on this Working Group, staffed by Joe Ramsay. The Working Group conducted a survey on Diaconal Ministry and the results were presented to the DUCC National Gathering in April 2013. The results are being shared with the Permanent Committee in June. To see the powerpoint presentation click here.’

A discussion paper, “Thinking about One Order of Ministry A Concept Paper from the Joint Ministry Working Group“, was released June 6, 2013. Feedback is invited before “mid September 2013”. For more information see the document. A task group was created at the DUCC National Gathering with a mandate to formulate a response on behalfof DUCC. Input from all members of the DUCC community is welcome into this process. If you have comments please forward them to the Coordinating Committee (coordcte@ducc.ca) who will pass them on to the task group.

DUCC Organizational Structure

The work of DUCC is carried out between each bi-annual National Gathering through a dispersed model of shared responsibility. It is primarily a volunteer run organization.

At the 2011 National Gathering it was decided to shift from forming Clusters or Committees exclusively regionally to allow for forming them by passion or interest regardless of geography. The 2011 – 2013 structure reflects this change and will be assessed in 2013.

Regional Clusters

There is also a more informal structure of Regional Clusters within DUCC that meet periodically, often at Conference Annual Meetings. The purpose of the gatherings varies from business to retreat or education. To be in touch with someone from your region visit Contact Us.

Staffing Pilot Project

At the 2011 National Gathering a pilot project to hire a part time staff person for DUCC was approved. Eric Tusz-King has been appointed. Click here for more info.

Special Funds

DUCC has oversight of two funds: The Kaufman Renewal and Emergency Fund and Renewal Fund and the Barbara Elliott Trust Fund for Innovative Ministry.